High-performance computing (HPC) is an innovative form of data processing that combines technologies and algorithms to perform highly complex calculations with greater power. One highly promising technology in this area is quantum computing, which has the potential, thanks to a giant leap in performance, to solve certain problems that have not been solved before.
As opposed to traditional computers, quantum computers do not process data based on the laws of conventional physics. Instead, they process data using special logarithms based on the principles of quantum mechanics. As a result, quantum computers can solve complex tasks within a very short time that traditional or “super” computers have never been able to solve. However, technical challenges remain in making universally applicable quantum computers available on the market.
In the financial services industry, this technology currently seems to be particularly promising in the areas of financial market analyses, portfolio and risk management, securities trading, customer identification, and the fight against money laundering. Quantum computers can also significantly accelerate AI-based applications and lead to completely new possibilities. The financial industry has already started trying to solve some of the challenges it is facing in a quantum environment. In addition, several banks and financial services providers are exploring proof of concepts and testing their use in practice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the technical challenges?
Creating and sustaining a stable quantum state, which is necessary in order to shield against external influences, is one of the technical challenges that exist alongside reliable programmability. For example, due to the specific characteristics of qubits, which are basic computing units that can exist as a simultaneous combination of one and zero (also referred to as “quantum uncertainty”), it can be challenging to programme quantum computers in such a way to ensure that the results are not purely random.
Does the use of quantum computers present any risks?
Besides the positive changes associated with quantum computers, there are still risks involved, particularly for IT security. The security of digital infrastructures is currently based in part on asymmetric cryptography (public key cryptography), which, in theory, can be broken by quantum computers. This risk is also referred to as post-quantum cryptography, and it is seen as a challenge to be taken seriously by the IT industry. The Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik – BSI) is keeping an eye on these risks and is already working on a number of defence strategy concepts.
When can we expect quantum computers to be used on a widespread basis?
Due to the particular technical challenges involved, only a few quantum computers are currently being used in practice to perform very specific tasks. Quantum computing research and development is being actively pursued worldwide as a key technology for the future. According to various studies, it is possible that quantum computing will be used on a widespread basis in the financial industry in the next five years.
@ Bartek Wróblewskiv/stock.adobe.com
